Lake County Board moves controversial mall forward

Some area residents oppose the concept

October 09, 2012|By Jeff Danna | Tribune reporter

Matt Lasusa, a lawyer representing neighbors of a proposed shopping center site, addresses the Lake County Board Tuesday. He said a shopping center like the one proposed in southwestern Lake County would be too big for the area and cause an adverse impact. (Jeff Danna)

The Lake County Board Tuesday approved the concept of a controversial mall when it approved zoning changes and other conditions that set the stage for its construction. The board members voted 23-0 to move the project forward, saying the proposal represents a good compromise between private and public interests.

No one has applied to build anything specific, but the board’s vote allows for the property at Highway 12 and Old McHenry Road, owned by the Dimucci family, to be rezoned as commercial, grants a conditional use permit for a development, and accepts conditions of an intergovernmental agreement between the county and two neighboring communities. That agreement calls for sales tax revenue sharing and sets the parameters for development.

Many residents of the area who attended this morning’s meeting contended that a shopping center the size of what is permitted would be out of character for the area and bring excessive traffic.

Nancy McGranahan, representing residents of a nearby subdivision, asked the board to consider “whether there really is an economic need for this.” She sees the project drawing business away from other shopping centers, or failing due to a glut of shopping options.

The proposal approved by the County Board allows for up to 650,000 square feet of commercial and office space on the 109-acre site. It also calls for about half of the parcel to be preserved as open space.

Board members noted that the county would tackle issues like traffic when or if a developer proposes a specific project, and the new zoning would not take effect until the board approves the development. Officials have said that process could take years.